Sperm plugs? Already?

[djslurp1200]

Well I went to weigh my male pastel last night and upon putting him back in his tank I noticed sperm plugs. I've read the countless threads on them and saw the pictures of them as well so I know what they look like but the thing that got me is that he's only 316 grams (empty).

My question is...

-Is this normal?
-Does this mean he could breed now? (I know it's recommended a year or 500grams whichever comes first and he is very solid and thick, not obese)
-Anybody seen this in a young male this size?

I posted this as a thread because I wanted to hear if other breeders have seen or experienced this in a snake of that size/weight.

Thank you to whoever replys, and best of luck to everybody witnessing their snakes locking up! good job!

[jglass38]

Well I went to weigh my male pastel last night and upon putting him back in his tank I noticed sperm plugs. I've read the countless threads on them and saw the pictures of them as well so I know what they look like but the thing that got me is that he's only 316 grams (empty).

My question is...

-Is this normal?
-Does this mean he could breed now? (I know it's recommended a year or 500grams whichever comes first and he is very solid and thick, not obese)
-Anybody seen this in a young male this size?

I posted this as a thread because I wanted to hear if other breeders have seen or experienced this in a snake of that size/weight.

Thank you to whoever replys, and best of luck to everybody witnessing their snakes locking up! good job!

When was he born? Yes its entirely possible...They don't begin producing sperm plugs based on their weight but rather age.

[Adam_Wysocki]

-Is this normal?

Yes.

-Does this mean he could breed now?

Sure.

-Anybody seen this in a young male this size?

Yes.

Now, the real question should be ... "If a 360 gram male is producing sperm plugs and can breed at less than a year of age, why does everyone say that they need to be bigger and older?" ...

And the answer is ...

Because your snake could die being bred that young/small ... Breeding takes a tremendous physical toll on a male ball python ... it causes stress and weakens their immune system ... coupled with lower temps during the breeding season, a male that does not have adequate size/weight could literally breed itself to death.

I know of many breeders (even so called "big breeders") that have killed lesser platties, pinstripes, bumble bees, and many other high end mutations by attempting to breed them too young and too small.

Is it possible? ... sure

Is it a good idea? ... depends on how comfortable you are with risking the health/life of your animal.

-adam

[djslurp1200]

When was he born?

I don't have a date or anything...Bob at the herp hobby shop here in Tampa told me he looked a good year...I'd say that's about right...He is pretty thick, not obese.

Yeah, I'm thinking a few months should get him straight on weight. He's growing very fast. I've been weighing him and watching his weight gains...
(he was 264grams on empty when I first got him)

[djslurp1200]

... depends on how comfortable you are with risking the health/life of your animal.

-adam

I'm not comfortable with it at all...I would still rather wait and be safe then attempt and be sorry later. I was just curious about it as it just kinda got my attention unexpectingly...

[jglass38]

I'm not comfortable with it at all...I would still rather wait and be safe then attempt and be sorry later. I was just curious about it as it just kinda got my attention unexpectingly...

Rock on man! Sounds like you are getting in tune with how to do things the proper way. That is what it is all about.

[djslurp1200]

Rock on man! Sounds like you are getting in tune with how to do things the proper way. That is what it is all about.

Well as bad as I want to see snakes pip'n out I am more concerned with the general health of the animals themselves. I'd rather have everyone at the proper weights and age then halfa$$ it being in a rush...

[joepythons]

I don't have a date or anything...Bob at the herp hobby shop here in Tampa told me he looked a good year...I'd say that's about right...He is pretty thick, not obese.

Yeah, I'm thinking a few months should get him straight on weight. He's growing very fast. I've been weighing him and watching his weight gains...
(he was 264grams on empty when I first got him)

He is only 316g and the guy thinks he is close to a year? Not being rude but what is he eating? That seems kinda small for a ball being close to a year .My last two females that i sold from my clutch this year were 200g area at a couple months age.

[djslurp1200]

he said he might have been a late 05 or early 06...I dunno...


It does sound kinda crazy with the way he eats. This thing will eat anything prekilled, live probably even frozen thawed...anyways...he's growing fast.

All I know is I read his weight on the digi scale and he eats everything I give him and he's growing like a weed...

[Snakeman]

what do sperm plugs look like? are there any pics on this forum? i'll look around to see what i find.